The front door dings and Shane strolls in, bringing with him a gust of icy air. “Blessed Yule, my friends. Well, technically, the solstice doesn’t occur until the early morning hours on Sunday, but we’re celebrating on Saturday evening at the Pumpkin House. Jeff, why don’t you bring Ashley and her son? Other children will be there.”

“I planned on it,” he replies. “Sounds like a lot of fun. I’ll be right back. I left the tag machine in the back.”

Shane removes his coat and hat. “How are you today, darling? Everything right in the world for once?”

“For the time being. But as long as that portal is open, I won’t sleep well at night. Not that I sleep all that great, anyway. Menopause is the gift that keeps on giving.”

He laughs as he walks behind the counter. “I’m sure I can’t relate and never will, I’m happy to say.”

A chuckle breaks free from my mouth. “I bet you are.” After slipping on my puffer jacket, I grab my purse and head toward the door. “See you at the Winter Solstice Celebration. Any chance we’ll finally get to meet that Unremarkable woman you’ve been hiding?”

“Perhaps, darling,” he says, pulling on his whiskers. “Where are you off to now? Home?”

“Yeah. I may take a nap before dinner. Archie said he was preparing something special. I want to stay wake to enjoy the meal.”

He wiggles his eyebrows. “And after?”

“You’re bad, Shane,” I say, squinting.

A mischievous grin peaks through his white beard. “Have a wonderful evening, Gwyn.”

I chuckle. “You, too, boss.”

When I step onto the red paver sidewalk, I pull up my hood. The sky is as blue as a clear summer’s day, but the bright sun barely cuts through the December chill. I soak in the holiday decorations on Main Street as I head toward the Green—large white snowflakes sparkling with silver glitter and evergreen trimmings topped with puffy red bows. For now, all is right in our world. As close as it gets for Bearsden, anyway, a town with an open portal to the Otherworld.

When I turn into the alleyway shortcut to Douglas Street, I discover Seamus walking ahead of me at the far end. I run to catch up with him.

“Hi. Would you like company on the way home?” I ask.

The Irish professor nods with an enormous grin. “I would love to have you join me, Gwynedd.”

“On behalf of the Bearsden Coven, I want to thank you again for assisting us in the rescue of the town’s children. From what I’ve heard, the children’s behavior has returned to normal.”

“I will always be at your service, Gwynedd.” He averts his gaze for a moment, then looks back at me. “However, I’ll be at a distance come Fall Semester. I’ve applied for a position in Northern Ireland.”

“Oh. Did you tell Dr. Hughes? And Archie?”

“I have not as of yet. I would appreciate you not mentioning the news to them. My letter of intent should arrive in a few days by snail mail.”

“Why did you change your mind about staying?” As if I need to ask.

“It’s time for me to return home, and clearly, you do not require my protection.”

I chuckle at his realization, and he smiles warmly. We’ve arrived at his bungalow rental home, and he gestures toward the house.

“Would you like to come in for a hot tea? Warm up after the chilly walk here?”

“I would love to, but I have to get home. Archie is cooking dinner for me, and I need to freshen up.” I stare fondly into his sea-green eyes. “It may surprise you, but I’m going to miss you when you leave.”

“Those words warm my soul, Gwynedd. But remember, I visit Buckley a few times a year. Perhaps we’ll cross paths when I stop by your Aunt Gorawen’s estate in the future.”

“That would be lovely.” My heart twitches a little at the idea of not seeing the cat sith witch in Bearsden.

“Ms. Johnson and Dr. Hughes have invited me to assist in the completion of the grimoire search on Sunday at Ms. Pritchard’s farmhouse.”

“I didn’t know Trinity asked you. We can certainly use another body.”

“Have a wonderful dinner and evening. Give Dr. Cockburn my regards.”

Seamus tips his cap and limps to the stoop, turning to wave before entering the house. I continue on to Drummond Lane. When I get near home, I notice Tyler’s sedan parked in front, as well as Agnes’s old jalopy. Why did he stop by? He knew I was at work.

I nudge the red side door and push into the mudroom, relishing the warmth. Voices trickle down the hallway while I remove my puffer jacket and gloves. I kick off my sneakers and shuffle toward the magic room, catching part of a conversation.

“I’m agreeable to any terms you would like to propose,” Leslie says.

“Then I’m decided,” Tyler replies. “It’s a no brainer.”

I enter the magic room to find Agnes, Tyler, and Zoe cramped together around the old wooden desk where Leslie is sitting. Mr. Yeats stands in the corner, adjusting his spectacles and bowtie. He appears flummoxed. Stacks of boxes are piled nearby. He’s not the only one who’s perplexed.

“Mom,” Tyler says, his eyebrows arching. “You’re back already.”

“Yeah. I’m actually getting home a little late. I walked back with Seamus part of the way.”

Zoe's eyes hop from Tyler to Agnes and stop at Leslie. “I’m sure Dr. Duffy appreciated the company.”

“Why are you guys here?” I ask my son and his love. “Were we supposed to eat dinner together? If so, I forgot. I’m eating with Archie tonight.”

The shelves are barren except for a few pieces of paper and dust bunnies clinging to the corners. Agnes stares at me from the corner seat, her lips twisted into a don’t-ask-me expression. Leslie pushes up from her desk chair.

“We have exciting news to share with you, Gwynedd. Wouldn’t you agree, Agnes?”

My hedge witch mentor grimaces. “For us. Who’s gonna fucking tell her?”

“Tell me what?” I ask, observing their roaming eyes.

Mr. Yeats moves forward, huffing. “Dr. Hughes is moving into Ms. Pritchard’s farmhouse. And she’s forcing me to go with her.”

“Now that’s just not fucking true, you ungrateful familiar,” Agnes says. “You can stay here if you want. Your fucking choice.”

“Why would I remain in this house if my witch is leaving? I am Dr. Hughes’s assistant, not Mr. Wolfe’s.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” I ask. “Why would you become Tyler’s familiar?”

Mr. Yeats crosses his arms. “Because Mr. Wolfe is buying Dr. Hughes’s house.”

My eyes bulge. “What the fuck?” I ask my son. “Is the familiar making this shit up?”

“No, Mom,” Tyler replies. “Dr. Hughes asked me about buying her house. I told her I didn’t have that much money saved up. So, she’s going to hold the mortgage herself.”